Blue 5

I think the is some confusion with the question. I'm asking if anyone knows the qualifications required to work the games? It's not a goal of mine but curious on the background of the guys. As far as local umpires, I watch religiously since my kids are all about it. The plate umpires, Vincent Chapman is usually just that, the plate umpire. But there has been several times where he has been in the field and one of the other guys step in. On the broadcast, working the field, i usually see a guy with a sleeve tattoo, a guy with red hair and sport type glasses, a middle aged trim guy or a heavy set gentlemen, but it's usually a combo of those four guys. Just wondering if anyone knew of their resumes/qualifications/past history. Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

Wondering if anyone knows what qualifications the Savanah Bananas Umpires have/past experience? I looked online and didn't find anything but was just curious their pasts. I'm referring to all the umpires not just the dancing ump. I did see a short on him saying he was little league and got noticed after he tried spicing up his games by mixing in some dancing and other antics. But there are three other umpires and was curious of their back stories. Or it would be cool if they happen to be on here? Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

Here's my thinking on this. Haven't been an umpire very long but from the beginning have always been told to portray a good demeanor and professional look. I wear moisture cooling shirts under my CP and find them very functional and would use this shirt for that. But there are times I'm observed before or after the game in the shirr and wouldn't want to be portrayed as a joke or joking about the position. The farthest I would go personally would be the "It's nothing until I call it" design. And I'm not sure I would display that pre or post game. I'm not the best and still have a ton to learn but I can say regardless of the game, I'm giving my all and being professional at all times. Just me fwiw, but I would get a shirt as decent looking umpire attire is definitely lacking. Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

Yes...I have a nice heavy coat that holds up good to the rain but same issue, much over 70 it's very warm...too warm. Was hoping there was something I missed in my searches... thanks for the input. I do have a an all black cabelas rain suit made for tournament fishing but was going for something with a more official look. Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

My local facility has phenomenal turf that allows for play in most rain. (Not getting into that). But had numerous games where I was out in the chilly rain with soaking CP. Etc. Even with my "water resistant" wind breaker there was little chance of staying semi dry. Was wondering what, if any coat or gear are guys and gals using to keep them dry under these conditions. I haven't seen much, if anything for umpires to really keep us dry. Any input would be great! Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

Ended up doing a NASO policy. Thank you! Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

I didn't mean to create a situation of questioning the question... good lord. We are losing umpires left and right and instead of picking guys up and helping then prepare for situations, I feel stupid for asking the question. No wonder why there's so much issue with umpires making questionable calls. I'm done with this and the keyboard wizards! Dueces! Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

If I knew the answer...I would not have asked the question. Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

Was a spectator at a 12u game. It was to the point it was becoming unbearable to watch one of the coaches operate. Saw him twice this season so far. Both times he's out of the dugout coaching the kids and clearly assisting them. One thing that bothered me big time was his clear and obvious coaching of his batters. I wanted to bring this up and see what others say and think. After release from the pitcher but prior to the ball in the catchers glove the coach is basically tipping pitches by saying "good eye" on many, many pitches to what appears to be the same hitters. It was a clear indicator that he was verbally assisting on marginal pitches for the batter not to swing. I saw it happening in the first game and didn't comment to anyone about it. However, parents knowing I umped, came up during the second game and affirmed my thought when they asked me if the described scenario was allowed. I looked and really didn't have a clear answer. But between the coach out in the field and these shenanigans, the umpire was making a pretty rough road for himself, as parents were becoming highly frustrated by the above and several other missed calls. But anyways, two things I wanted clarification on... 1) is there a rule against verbally assisting a batter with either a tip like above or other verbal cue and 2) the teams first baseman, on several close infield grounders was placing her foot on the orange safety bag, thus creating a blocked bag. The girls would then slow up, as not to injure or trip over the girls leg. To me a clear obstruction??? I do know they can use the orange safety bag under circumstances which would dictate that but this seemed like obstruction to me but was not called by the umpire? Leading to this question. Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

I am a member of the NFHS through my state organization. That being said I was told that includes insurance for officiating. What I'm wondering is can someone clarify of the NFHS insurance is valid for summer ball in doing for a few of my luv call cities? Said while officiating event... so is that any event? Or since I'm through my state organization, just while umpiring for the state high school games? What would be the best most affordable option for insurance, if not covered? Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

I'm 5-5 and as my co-workers say, built like a fire hydrant, with size 9 shoes. I have larger calf muscles but have several pairs of socks that go over the calf.

I did receive my two pairs very quickly. Although I found them comfortable, three description said over the calf. For me, they come up about 2/3rds up the calf, maybe a little more. But was snug on the calf,definitely not over it. I had been using grey wrangler brand boot socks and have been happy with those at a lower regular price. Not sure I would buy the F3's again at full price... for this promo, yes full price not so much. Also, of you are looking for compression socks, Duluth Trading has some good stuff with the compression rating listed for each pair. Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

Appreciate you looking out for others! I have ordered from them before but didn't catch this email come through! I'm excited to try them out and see how they are! Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

So, I'm a first year guy as well. But I'm in a unappreciated profession to begin with. So I'm more used to verbal insults and second guessing than most! My state has gone to online learning and certification, which I thought no issue! And was perfect having a baseball/softball background already. I was so far from being right. I discovered umpiring is a sport within the sport and never knew what was involved. So I got through the online stuff and really began to self teach. Out of pocket, I also attended my state mechanics clinic that was in person. That allowed me to see live pitching, pick the brains of experienced umpires and just get a general feeling of the craft. I then requested specifically to my assigner to assign me a scrimmage or two prior to official games. That happened and then weather decided they were not in the cards. This is where it kind of went haywire for a few games. I was assigned several JV games with an experienced umpire for several games. But again, due to weather, I show up at my first game and the school changes the game from JV to Varsity! I'm like, awesome, as I see the local cable access channel there filming! I blew a call in that game and as soon as I did, I knew it. Luckily, we have the right to consult and we were able to make it right with my partner, which we did, with little issue. After that, I realized, I need to think like I'm still playing! Basically, what could happen in this next play? What is in effect? What should I be on the lookout for? Basically, anticipating and thinking on the field what to be ready for! I know we are supposed to do this but before I looked at it as I will call what transpires in front of me and that's a bad approach. So I really made youtube my friend. From watching games that were live or recorded in full, to recapping rules to reviewing situations. That really helped along with going to games on my own, observing other umpires during games. Another thing I found was to plan with your partner and discuss each of your responsibilities. Meaning meet your partner in the lot and discuss the game and plan as each umpire does things a little different. That helps in making us as crew at least look organized and fluid. As far as on field, I always conduct myself in a calm and professional manner. Regardless of my calls, I attempt to display a posture of confidence and maintain that demeanor and the same process during the game. I do the same routine as taught, each inning. (Clean plate, clean rubber, take my extended baseline position or field position each half inning. I'm not chatting it up or acknowledging anything other than my game duties. If I see a safety type issue(open gate,etc) I'm addressing it. Just basically conducting a game in a business like atmosphere. I'm also making sure I'm bringing the game to me. Meaning I'm taking appropriate time on calls and moving from position to position as needed. This allows me time to get things in order and not rush. This helps me keeping things organized. It's just me and others may not like it but it has been working ok. With all that being said, one big thing for me that I've learned in my work life, was to breath! Take a deep breath and get back your thoughts back in order. They tell us to not make a call on the run and to get set but think about your breathing. I'm sure after the coach coming out you had a bit of anxiety going on. That's nothing that a deep breath can't handle! It will help you clear your mind and reset. May sound lame but works for me! I also switched to a call order counter, which for me made it much easier to smoothly and consistently keep the count accurate. To me, it was a way to eliminate a stressor while behind the plate. I'm far from perfect and just letting you know what has helped me so far. I happened to work a game with our mechanics advisor and after the game was asked if I would consider upgrading my certification to highest class rating. Which was a confidence builder to me and has since led to being assigned to higher tier games on a regular basis based on the above review and good reports from coaches to our association. With that, one coach found out where I lived and asked if I was willing to work their middle school games that he was having issue filling. I said sure let me know what you got! He gave me a list of 9 games and I took them all. Which had really helped in my confidence and was alot less pressure than my first games! So like others have said get your time on the field but also find things that work for you to eliminate stressors and anticipate what could transpire. The few issues I have had I am always calm and let the coach walk to me. I tell them before the game, if there is an issue, come see me and we can talk and figure it out. Rarely have I been taken up on the offer. Again, I'm by far perfect but have found several things to gain me confidence and control over the game, my process and players and coaches. The rest outside the lines, I don't worry about or pay any mind! Best of luck and know you are not in this boat alone. I'm right along side you! Sent from my SM-G781V using Tapatalk

I'll end the conversation here. Best of luck to you in your season. I admitted my error and that's good enough for me. Not a know it all and of I was wrong in wrong. I'll eat it and move on. Good day